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The Secret to Flawless Foundation
As a makeup artist working with celebrities and developing my own product line, I have spent years perfecting a technique for applying flawless-looking foundation. You don’t have to walk the red carpet to achieve foundation perfection. Follow my tips and you can get the same professionally applied look I create when working with Hollywood’s most beautiful women.
How to Choose the Perfect Foundation for You
The question I’m asked most often from women all over the world: How do I choose the right shade of foundation? With a vast range of choices, this decision can be very challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. The trick to choosing the right foundation shade for your skin tone—match the color to your neck. You never want to see a demarcation line between your jaw line and neck; the color should flow naturally. Also, the general rule is to go for a yellow-based foundation if you have an olive complexion and more of a pink tone if you have an English rose complexion. If you have a darker complexion, I suggest a redder undertone. The most important tip? Make sure your foundation contains anti-aging benefits. You’re wearing it anyway. Let it work for you!
The Foundation Finish to Polish Your Look
After selecting your shade, you must decide on a finish. A matte finish is beautiful, but make sure it is hydrating, so it doesn’t appear powdery or dry on the skin. A dewy foundation look is very flattering and looks the most natural. If you prefer the iridescent look, I would go for a primer that has light-reflecting particles and keeps your foundation natural.
My Primer Tip: Prep skin with a treatment primer. Primers create a smooth canvas for application and help bind makeup to the skin for longer wear throughout the day.
My Foundation Product Picks:
Buy Sue Devitt 70% Triple Seaweed Gel Foundation for a sheer finish, $38, at suedevittbeauty.com
Buy Sue Devitt Triple C-Weed Whipped Foundation for more coverage and added hydration, $40, at suedevittbeauty.com
Buy Neutrogena Healthy Skin Foundation, $11.99, at target.com
Buy Shiseido Powdery Foundation, $29.50, at macys.com
The Best Technique to Apply Foundation
Once you’ve chosen your foundation, it’s time to focus on application. I’ve found the best way to apply foundation is with your fingertips. I do this with all my celebrity clients. Applying foundation with your hands allows you to really work around the different contours of the face and, most importantly, allows you to feel your skin’s hydration level.
The Steps for Foundation and Flawless Skin
Start with the T-zone and work your way outward. Just make sure you don’t forget the eyelids and under-eye area! Applying foundation to your eyelids helps to keep consistency and texture all over. Then, apply a light dusting of loose powder on the T-zone and cheeks, followed by concealer where needed. I’m a proponent of foundation first, then concealer, so you can actually see what you need to conceal. Foundation alone will correct a majority of skin issues.
My Blush Tip: Apply blush high on the apples of your cheeks for an instant facelift. Try a pretty wash of a pink-plum color such as Silky Blush in Belize, perfect for a rosy glow.
My Blush Picks:
Buy Sue Devitt Silky Blush in Belize, $20, at suedevittbeauty.com
Buy Maybelline ExpertWear Blush in Plushed Plum, $4.49, at drugstore.com
Buy Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blush in Rose Bronze, $42, at saksfifthavenue.com
The Best Way to Hide a Blemish
When concealing a blemish, make it look as natural as possible to avoid drawing attention to the area. To do this, apply your foundation as you normally would, then use a concealer to cover—choose one with enough moisture to keep the area from becoming cakey. Set the concealer with pressed or loose powder, using a tapered powder brush.
My Bronzer Tip: Add a little oil-free, water-based liquid bronzer to your foundation or moisturizer and apply to the face. This gives the skin a natural glow.
My Bronzer Picks:
Buy Sue Devitt Triple Touch Light Reflecting Bronzer in Beausoleil, $30, at suedevittbeauty.com
Buy Nars The Multiple in Palm Beach, $38, at saksfifthavenue.com
Buy Guerlain Terracotta 4 Seasons Bronzer, $74, at sephora.com
Choosing the Right Foundation for Each Season
A lot of women experience different skin types from season to season, so I recommend using a more sheer formula during hot summer months, then switching to a foundation that offers more coverage and hydration in winter. For women who have oily skin, it’s best to use an oil-free foundation formulation all year.
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